IWD 2018: Ali Charges female journalists on medical checkup

As part of activities for the 2018 International Women’s Day celebration, wife of former National chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Dr. Marian Ogoh-Ali, chairman, Kpakpando Foundation, has called on female journalists to take their health seriously.

Speaking at the monthly congress of the National Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ FCT chapter, Mrs. Ogoh-Ali said for them to be effective voices for the vulnerable in society they have to stay healthy by knowing their health status.

“As female professionals that speak for society, you have to take your own health seriously. Cancer, especially cervical and breast cancer, are real threats to women. I therefore urge you to take regular medical checkup seriously as well as the issue of hygiene,” she said.

In a communique signed by Mrs Grace Njoku, secretary of the NAWOJ FCT chapter, congress decried the decline in women participation in politics in both elective and appointive positions.

She said congress noted that during the last dispensation, there was more women participation, meeting the required 35% affirmative action and therefore tasked government at all levels to make conscious effort to empower women politically and financially.

According to the communique, congress charged women in positions of authority on mentoring and empowerment of women, to ensure increased participation of women, preparatory to the 2019 elections.

Congress in the same vein, called on relevant stakeholders and international partners to support women participation in Nigerian politics.

Finally, Congress reiterated the importance of women who make up the larger part of the population, to get registered and obtain their permanent Voters Card, PVC, and vote, with a view to influencing the outcome of election in favour of women.